Blood glucose monitoring

Monitor blood glucose - series

Definition:
Blood glucose monitoring is a measurement of glucose in the blood that can be done at any time
on a portable machine. It can be a self-test for the diabetic.
Alternative Names:
Glucose monitoring; Random glucose; Glucose - random; Serum glucose - random
How the test is performed:
The finger is pricked and a drop of blood is put on a reagent strip !hich uses a chemical
substance to react to the amount of glucose in the blood. The meter then reads the strip and
displays the results as a number on a digital display. "e!er monitors can use blood from other
areas of the body besides the fingers reducing discomfort.
How to prepare for the test:
#a$e all test items !ithin reach before starting -- timing is important. %lean the area !ith soap
and !ater or an alcohol s!ab. The area needs to be completely dry before pricking.
Infants and children&
The preparation you can pro$ide for this test depends on your child's age pre$ious e(periences
and le$el of trust. )or general information regarding ho! you can prepare your child see the
follo!ing topics&
Infant test or procedure preparation *birth to + year,
Toddler test or procedure preparation *+ to - years,
.reschooler test or procedure preparation *- to / years,
Schoolage test or procedure preparation */ to +0 years,
1dolescent test or procedure preparation *+0 to +2 years,
How the test will feel:
There is a sharp prick.
Why the test is performed:
The test allo!s the diabetic to carefully monitor blood glucose le$els to assure that they are
!ithin the normal range. The indi$idual can then respond 3uickly to high or lo! blood sugar
le$els *diabetes or hypoglycemia, !ith appropriate inter$ention.
This test can also be a screening test for blood glucose le$els.
Normal Values:
Range from /4 to +54 milligrams per deciliter but can $ary depending on physical acti$ity
meals and insulin administration. "ormal $alue ranges may $ary slightly among different
laboratories.
What abnormal results mean:
If le$els are too lo! the person is in a state of hypoglycemia. )ood should be eaten and the
indi$idual may need to alter the ne(t insulin dose and possibly future insulin doses as !ell.
If le$els are too high the person is hyperglycemic and may need additional insulin.
1dditional conditions under !hich the test may be performed&
Type + diabetes mellitus
Type 0 diabetes mellitus
#ypoglycemia
What the risks are:
There is a slight chance of infection at the puncture site. 1 small amount of bleeding may occur
after the puncture.
pecial considerations:
The correct procedure must be follo!ed or the results !ill not be accurate.
1bnormal results particularly in a person not kno!n to be diabetic may indicate a need to
obtain a fasting blood glucose or a glucose tolerance test. %onsult the health care pro$ider.
Re$ie! 6ate& 07070445
Re$ie!ed By& Tarun 8ain M.6. 9ndocrinology : Infertility 6i$ision Brigham and ;omen's
#ospital Boston M1. Re$ie! pro$ided by <eriMed #ealthcare "et!ork